Vikings softball wins senior night doubleheader

Senior first baseman Jordan Walley celebrates as she comes into home plate after hitting a grand slam home run in the third inning during the first game of the WWU versus Saint Martin’s University doubleheader on Saturday, April 23 at Viking Field. Western won the first game 4-3 and followed up with a 7-1 win on the last day of their season. // Photo by Ian Koppe

The women’s softball doubleheader ended with two Viking victories, 4-3 and 7-1 during their senior night game on Saturday, April 23.

With eight senior players leaving, head coach Amy Suiter hopes these games will inspire the underclassmen on the team next year.

Senior first baseman Jordan Walley hit a grand slam against the Saint Martin’s University Saints in the bottom of the third inning during the first game. Walley followed her streak with another homerun in the bottom of the third inning of the second game.

Hitting two homeruns in one day felt incredible, Walley said.

“Saint Martin’s is a big rival for us, they pitch me tough and don’t give me much to hit, so being able to do that is pretty awesome,” Walley said.

Although Walley stood out as an offensive powerhouse, the Vikings took home the second victory with the help of senior catcher Taylor Clark.

Clark hit a homerun in the same inning as Walley, with two runners on base.

Her homerun put the Vikings up 4-1. In the fourth inning the Vikings tacked on three insurance runs leading to the eventual final score of 7-1.

Senior right fielder Alexie Levin hits the ball during the first game of the Western versus Saint Martin’s University doubleheader on Saturday, April 23 at Viking Field. Levin went two-for-three, raising her career hits to 196; two short of the school record. // Photo by Ian Koppe

An integral part of the Viking’s defense was senior shortstop Taylor Peacocke. Peacocke was a relentless force at shortstop, routinely fielding ground balls and making the outs at first base.

Even when she did not make the out at first base, Peacocke would prevent extra base hits by inhibiting the ball from leaving the infield.

“Saint Martin’s is a big rival for us, they pitch me tough and don’t give me much to hit, so being able to do that is pretty awesome.”

Senior first baseman Jordan Walley

To be successful at shortstop, you always have to be ready, Peacocke said.

“[I am] always just expecting the ball and thinking it is going to come to me,” Peacocke said.

Also a guard for the women’s basketball team, Peacocke said softball has a different kind of intensity than basketball and requires a full-time focus for all seven innings.

Suiter was pleased with the lines of both games and said the team performed well and played their hearts out.

Suiter said she hopes the team will take away the pride and passion of this year and continue to “play with heart” as they prepare for their next season.

With senior night coming to a close after two Viking victories, Suiter hopes the graduating seniors will take their team experiences with them on their next step.

Sports

By Tanner Fricke A timeout is called at one of Western’s basketball games and 20 cheerleaders hit the floor, moving into a pyramid formation. The show is about to begin. “There is nothing I love more than being on the sidelines during a really close game and […]